Canadian Grand Prix 2024 Review: Max Verstappen wins the action-packed race

It was Red Bull’s Max Verstappen back on the top step of the podium as he held his nerve in an action-packed and wet Canadian Grand Prix 2024, putting in a solid drive to secure his sixth win of the season.

McLaren’s Lando Norris, who held the early advantage, finished second ahead of pole-sitter George Russell. Lewis Hamilton finished fourth, with Oscar Piastri, Fernando Alonso, Lance Stroll, Daniel Ricciardo, Pierre Gasly, and Esteban Ocon rounding out the points places in that order.

The win sees Red Bull solidify their position in the Constructors’ Standings, while it’s also an important win for Verstappen, who after a couple of shaky weekends returns to the top step. 

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Wet track and wet weather meant we got off to a cautious start from most drivers except Haas’ Kevin Magnussen, who went flying on the wet weather tyres. Alongside him, it was Max Verstappen who looked more comfortable than the rest. By Lap 5, Charles Leclerc had already reported an engine issue.

George Russell had Verstappen within DRS range by Lap 13, but with the DRS not yet activated the Mercedes driver breathed a huge sigh of relief.

The sun was breaking through the clouds by Lap 15 as Verstappen creeped up on Russell before going off at Turn 2, but he managed to keep it on the track albeit at the expense of a fair chunk of time with Lando Norris behind him, who got the Dutchman for P2 on Lap 20, with his teammate, Oscar Piastri, also making moves behind in P4. Two laps later, Norris got Russell as well to take the lead of the race, while Verstappen made it worse for Russell as he went past him for P2. 

Logan Sargeant hit the wall at Turn 6 on Lap 25, which brought out the Safety Car. All the front runners subsequently dived into the pit, with Verstappen taking the lead from Russell, with Norris having been caught out with the timing of the Safety Car. Verstappen then controlled the race at his leisure, with Russell and Norris behind him.

Norris had a moment of his own as he went straight at Turn 1 on Lap 42, which brought his teammate within half a second of him.

While the top three were battling it out, Leclerc retired from the race on Lap 43.

Lewis Hamilton’s was the first car to pit for the slicks on Lap 45. A lap later, Verstappen and Russell came in as well. Norris, unlike the front two, did not come in, and re-took the lead of the race. He came in a couple of laps later, and even though he came out in front of Verstappen, the latter immediately overtook him on warmer tyres. Russell eventually got Norris on Lap 50, with Verstappen having built up a 4.5-second lead within two laps of taking the lead from Norris. 

Carlos Sainz spun out during Lap 55, also taking out Alex Albon with him and bringing out the Safety Car again. As Verstappen led with ease up front, Russell went off on Lap 63, which saw Piastri take third and Hamilton go fourth, though Russell retook third from his teammate on Lap 68.

Verstappen managed to hold on for another commanding win at the 2024 Canadian Grand Prix, with Lando Norris taking second ahead of Russell in third.